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Interview Prep
Before the interview

Before the interview

  • Research the organization and its mission
  • Review the internship description carefully
  • Be prepared to explain why you're interested in national security
  • Review your resume and be ready to discuss every experience listed
  • Research current events related to the organization's work / be prepared to talk about your own work that may be relevant to their mission
  • Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method
    • S – Situation: Briefly describe the context.
    • T – Task: Explain your responsibility or the challenge you faced.
    • A – Action: Describe the specific steps you took. This is the most important part.
    • R – Result: Share the outcome and what you learned, ideally with measurable results.
  • Test your technology (for virtual interviews - ex: join a practice ZOOM meeting)
  • Choose professional attire the night before
  • Prepare 3–5 thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer – ex: What does success look like for a ___ in this role? What kinds of projects or responsibilities would I have during the internship/position? What advice would you give someone hoping to build a career in this field? (See section below for more extensive list)

 

Common interview questions

General

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Walk me through your resume.
  • Why are you interested in this internship?
  • Why do you want to work for our organization?
  • What interests you about national security?
  • What are your greatest strengths?
  • Tell me about a weakness and how you're working to improve it.
  • What motivates you?

Behavioral

  • Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership.
  • Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.
  • Tell me about a time you worked on a team.
  • Describe a time you received constructive criticism.
  • Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple priorities.
  • Describe a conflict you experienced and how you handled it.

National Security Specific

  • What current national security issue interests you most?
  • What publications or podcasts do you follow?
  • What area of national security would you like to work in?
  • How has your coursework prepared you?
Helpful tips

Helpful tips

✓ Keep answers to about 1–3 minutes.

✓ Try to use specific examples whenever possible.

✓ Really try to sell your impact when discussing past experiences.

✓ Try showing a lot of enthusiasm for the organization's mission.

✓ Maintain eye contact and positive / engaging body language.

✓ Listen carefully before answering.

✓ It's okay to pause and think before responding.

✓ End by thanking your interviewer.

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

About the Role

  • What would a typical day look like for an intern in this position?
  • What types of projects would I be working on?
  • What skills are most important for someone to succeed in this role?
  • What does success look like by the end of the internship?

About the Team

  • Can you tell me about the team I would be working with?
  • How do interns collaborate with full-time staff?
  • What opportunities are there to work across different teams or projects?

Professional Development

  • What opportunities are there to receive feedback or mentorship?
  • Are interns able to attend meetings, events, or briefings?
  • What have past interns gone on to do after completing the program?

About the Organization

  • What do you enjoy most about working here?
  • What challenges is your organization currently focused on?
  • How does this internship contribute to the organization's mission?

Closing Questions

  • Is there anything about my background or experience that you'd like me to clarify?
  • Is there anything else I can provide that would be helpful?
  • What are the next steps in the hiring process?
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